GENERAL FUNCTION

The Communications Manager for the “USAID Strengthening Civil Society and Media Systems (Sawt) Activity” under the supervision of the Chief of Party, will be responsible for developing and implementing the Sawt communications strategy and engagement plan, to promote and increase awareness surrounding Sawt and partner / subgrantee activities. This role will involve day-to-day management of a team of communication professionals and/or consultants. Manage and maintain the project’s online and social media presence, oversee writing and editing of key Sawt documents, and ensure complying with branding requirements – with the overall aim of conveying accurate and timely information about Sawt to various audiences, including USAID, partners, beneficiaries, and the public. Additionally, they will also be required to provide capacity-building support to Sawt staff and partners, aimed at improving their own skills in the areas of communications and reporting.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES are listed below; other duties may be assigned.

• Develop and oversee a communications strategy and social media engagement plan for the Sawt project, making adjustments as needed during the course of the project implementation, to ensure maximum effectiveness of all project communications and messaging.
• Lead in the external promotion of Sawt’s work and its subgrantees using various media platforms.
• Ensure compliance with Sawt project branding requirements, in accordance with USAID's branding and marking guidelines and message manual.
• Develop guidance and communications templates for use by the project team, partners, and beneficiaries, to ensure effective communications as well as compliance with branding and messaging guidelines.
• In instances where the Sawt team may require additional / external communications and/or production support (such as in the case of specialized video production, video editing, or graphic design, for example), play a lead role in identifying and directing contracted firms and/or consultant multimedia producers, to guide them through the process of conceptualizing, planning, producing, and/or editing multimedia content and promotional materials for the Sawt project.
• Oversee Sawt’s online presence (including webpage and social media accounts).
• Oversee and take a lead role in the drafting of key Sawt documents, including (but not limited to) weekly, quarterly, and annual reports, annual work plans, newsletters, factsheets, and success stories.
• Submit requests to USAID for approval for all relevant media documents, speeches and events, in accordance with USAID outreach and communication procedures.
• Provide media relations, communications, documentation, and planning / management support for all events hosted by Sawt – and coordinate closely with Sawt staff, partners, and grantees to ensure quality communication and event management for all partner-led project activities, in accordance with branding and visibility guidelines.
• Provide ongoing capacity-building support to Sawt staff and partners, aimed at improving their own skills in the areas of communications and reporting.
• Develop and maintain a media network and mailing list to ensure high-level visibility and outreach for Sawt activities.

• Any other related duties assigned by the supervisor to ensure program visibility and effective communications.
• In all duties, demonstrate an understanding and commitment to upholding Internews' Core Values..

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES

This role supervises Sawt communications staff and consultants based in Jordan in accordance with the organization's policies and applicable laws. Supervisory responsibilities include: interviewing, hiring, and training of employees and consultants; planning, assigning, and directing work; appraising performance; and addressing complaints and resolving problems.

QUALIFICATIONS

Education

• Bachelor’s degree in communications, public relations, journalism, or related field.

Required Experience

• Minimum 7 years of communications-related experience, ideally in the fields of media, civil society, and/or development.
• Experience in managing and/or contributing to the communications portfolio for USAID- and/or other donor-funded projects.
• Demonstrated understanding of basic Monitoring, Evaluation & Learning principles.
• Experience in managing and/or organizing events.
• Experience in managing both internal and external communication channels, including organizational websites and social media accounts.
• Experience in developing and producing a variety of multimedia content (either as an individual and/or as part of a production or communications team).
• Readiness and ability to share technical skills and knowledge with others, through mentoring and capacity-building activities with staff and/or partners, as needed.

Preferred Experience

• Multimedia production experience and/or technical skills (in the area of photography, videography, video editing, podcast production, audio editing, web conference event hosting, and/or graphic design) would be considered a distinct advantage.

Skills

• Excellent writing and editing skills in both Arabic and English.
• Able to think creatively and demonstrate a strong commitment to mastering social media and other communication tools.
• Strong collaboration, active listening, and problem-solving skills.
• Strong organizational skills, with the ability to multitask and meet tight deadlines.
• Excellent inter-personal skills to maintain effective and collegial relations with the media as well as Sawt partners, beneficiaries, and team members.

Ability and permission to work and reside in Jordan without Internews sponsorship.